Despite being 5’7,’’ goalie stands tall in WRHS net

Jake Strasser, holding trophy, and his teammates celebrate their title.
Submitted photo He’s unabashed on the subject of stature, quipping that he’s 5’7” or maybe 5’8” “on a good day.” He espouses the theory that hockey goalies don’t necessarily require excess height and frame (see Detroit Red Wings’ diminutive Chris Osgood, a three-time Stanley Cup winner at just 5’10”), and with his caliber of play for the Wachusett Regional varsity, few will argue his point.

Rutland’s Jake Strasser emerged from a pack of three goaltenders last season seeking prime ice time. He led the Mountaineers down the stretch with superb performances, taking the Mountaineers to an overtime district final win which marked the school’s first ever Central Mass. Division 3 ice hockey title. During the season he posted a stellar 1.96 goalsagainst average, stopping 258 of 281 shots for a 0.918 save percentage.

Strasser will be an assistant captain as a senior for the Mountaineer varsity in 2013-2014, working closely with captain Marc Happy. Ice time should not be a problem considering the elevation of his game and the commitment he has made to his chosen position.

“I don’t think size is so much a factor in being a good goaltender,” said Strasser. “I think having quick reaction, speed and being quick on the ground is important. I’m not afraid of the puck. I’ll dive on my head, legs and arms if I need to. It doesn’t bother me.”

Strasser first hit the ice at age three and quickly moved into youth hockey with the Lakers organization before playing on a number of select teams. He began as a defenseman but did a rapid about-face five years ago, electing to strap on goalie pads and the associated weighty-gear to learn the art of netminding. The transition was not easy at first, but Strasser adjusted well over time.

“I just decided I wanted to become a goaltender at the time,” he said. “The goalie’s more in the spotlight, and I love that. At first I wasn’t used to moving with the heavy pads on, but I got used to it and I like the pressure so I’m glad it all worked out.”

Strasser will be forever remembered in WRHS sports lore as the goaltender who had the extremely hot hand at a time when it mattered most. He turned back an astonishing 45 shots on net in regulation, but saved his biggest of the night in a fiveplayer overtime shootout, stopping four of five to lead Wachusett Regional to victory over top-seed Groton-Dunstable on March 11 at the Wallace Civic Center. The OT district final win marked the school’s first ever Central Mass. Division 3 ice hockey title.

The game came down to a five-player shootout for the district title. The Crusaders tallied on their first try while Happy evened things on Wachusett’s second attempt. But Strasser turned away the next four scoring bids while sophomore Brian Boulette poked home what would be the game winner on the Mountaineers’ fourth shot.

“I knew my team was going to come back, and I knew we were going to score,” said Strasser that night of his thoughts during the shootout session. “I was prepared for every shot. This is awesome. I can’t explain in words. I love the playoffs. That’s when I do my best. I love it. I play so much better in pressure situations.”

“Jake stopped everything that we could ask him to stop and more than that,” said head coach Matt Lane. “He stopped rebounds, he stopped breakaways. Two games in a row he has been phenomenal.”

Strasser describes himself as a highenergy kind of guy who will do what it takes as an assistant captain to motivate his teammates. In the meantime, he is occupied with summer hockey, playing in leagues which include a high-skilled Shamrocks team that features elite players from area towns.

“Jake did a great job for us last year and I expect that he will this year too,” said Lane. “He’s very quick and gets to rebounds well. He works hard and has a good work ethic. He’s definitely established himself as one of the best goaltenders in Central Massachusetts.”